American sixth seed Jessica Pegula has withdrawn from the WTA Finals in Riyadh with a left knee harm, the event introduced on Wednesday.
A runner-up on the WTA Finals final yr, Pegula misplaced her opening two matches in Saudi Arabia in straight units and had no probability of advancing to the semifinals.
The US Open finalist was as a result of face defending champion Iga Swiatek within the final day of round-robin motion on Thursday and can now get replaced by Daria Kasatkina on the schedule.
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“I’ve simply been scuffling with somewhat little bit of an harm and for no matter motive, it actually flared up this week. Probably not positive why,” defined Pegula, 30.
“Within the few days earlier than apply, it felt actually, actually good, however it began creeping up proper earlier than my first match, and simply really feel like I’m not feeling comfy transferring on courtroom, so I simply wished to make the choice to sadly pull out.”
Kasatkina is ranked quantity 9 on this planet and lately clinched the WTA 500 title in Ningbo.
She is 1-5 head-to-head in opposition to Swiatek, shedding her final 5 consecutive clashes with the Pole.
Coco Gauff is the one participant within the Orange Group in Riyadh to have secured passage to the semifinals.
To qualify for the semifinals, Swiatek must beat Kasatkina and hope that Gauff defeats Barbora Krejcikova of their match on Thursday.